Indonesia’s Scorpène evolved submarine program kicks off after contract activation

July 24, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

The contract for the delivery of two Scorpène evolved submarines to be built in, by, and for Indonesia, within Indonesian shipyard PT PAL, through a transfer of technology from French shipbuilder Naval Group, has entered into force on July 23, 2025.

As disclosed, since the signature of the contract, together with the Ministry of Defense of Indonesia, the Naval Group and PT PAL have been anticipating its implementation by undertaking design activities, long lead item purchases, and planning process activities.

Naval Group, PT PAL pen deal for Indonesia’s Scorpène evolved LiB submarines

Vessels

The vessels will be built and commissioned in Indonesia. Furthermore, thanks to a transfer of technology, the management, operation, and maintenance of the force will be conducted in Indonesia, by Indonesian actors.

In the coming weeks, PT PAL welders will be welcomed in France to follow specific on-job training and around 50 experts will be based in Indonesia to train more than 400 Indonesian engineers in submarine construction.

“The implementation of this contract is a significant milestone in the strategic alliance between Indonesia and France, which we are honoured to be a part of. Together with our strategic partner PT PAL, we will to support Indonesia in its ambition to build a modern, sovereign, and resilient Indonesian naval industry for the benefit of the Indonesian Navy,” said Pierre Eric Pommellet, Chairman and CEO of Naval Group.

On July 1, 2025, Naval Group launched its subsidiary, PT Naval Group Nusantara, demonstrating the company’s willingness to support Indonesia as a long-term strategic partner. Numerous memoranda of understanding (MoU) were also signed with Indonesian defense industry players.

“This step is a high commitment and trust of the Indonesian government in the capability of local engineers to advancing defence technology, especially submarine technology. The government’s commitment in realizing the independence of the defence industry is also supported by the provision of Government Capital (PMN) to fully support the whole local production of submarine at PT PAL. In the future, Indonesia is expected to be able to master submarine technology,” stated Kaharuddin Djenod, President Director of PT PAL.

According to Naval Group, Scorpène is a modern, high-performing, and stealthy submarine.

Specifically, the Indonesian Scorpène submarines will be fitted with an energy system based on a full lithium-ion configuration, which encompasses “the highest security and safety standards and allows a higher range of useful energy and a reduced charging time”.

Moreover, the vessels will feature the latest generation of combat systems, SUBTICS, which addresses the growing challenges of modern submarine missions in blue and shallow waters.